A SENIOR councillor has refused to say why he intervened over plans to expand a mosque.

The proposal by Chingford Islamic Society, based in Chingford Mount Road, Chingford, was turned down by planning officers.

But Cllr Akram, cabinet member for business and representative of Lea Bridge ward, stepped in to ensure the application would be considered the planning committee, which is dominated by his Labour colleagues.

The Chingford Islamic Society bought the adjacent nail shop and first floor flat in the hope of extending a study and prayer room.

Current sessions, which are attended by up to 300 people a day, have to be staggered due to the building's limited space.

Officers recommend the plans for refusal due to the loss of a residential premises, the impact on those living nearby and predicted parking problems.

But following Cllr Akram's request, the application has been referred to the planning committee on May 3.

When asked by the Guardian to explain his intervention, Cllr Akram refused and said he would detail his reasons during the planning committee meeting.

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